THE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE FIRE BRIGADE.

West Coast Times, Issue 240, 29 June 1866, Page 2

THE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE FIRE BRIGADE.

(to tiie kditob op tub west coast times.) Sir, — A letter appears in yoUr issue of to-day's paper* signed by Jno. 6. Millard, complaining that I did not adhere to the truth in the explanation I gave the other evening, why the public meeting of the Improvement Committee was rtpt held at the Fire Brigade Buildings as advertised. In reply, I iriusk state that, in taking part in the discussion between tho Improvement Committee and the Fire Brigade, I am placed in rather an awkward position, having the honor of being Honorary Seoretarv for both . Institutions, since I may say their formation. However, by your kind permission I will plainly state what part I have personally taken in this matter.

On Monday evening last the Improvement Committee held a special meeting, for making arrangements for calling a public meeting for the purpose of giving in their half-yearly report on the following evening ; and it was unanimously resolved — "That such public meeting would be held in tho Fire Brigado building,-' 1 it being tho most centrul and convenient building that could be had. Adting on these instructions, as lion, sec, and with the consent and sanction of the hoii. treasurer to the Fire Brigade, I caused the advertisement convening the meeting to be inserted in the papers. Next day, whilst walking up to speak to Mr Millard on the subject (not that I felt myself individually duty-bound to do so, but as an act of courtesy), I met Mr Millard, and he asked me, in any but a gentlemanly manner, who authorised the insertion of the advertisement calling a public meeting at tho Firo Brigade building. I stated that I did, acting on instructions received as secretary to the Improvement Committee. He then stated, in rather an excited manner, l( that lie would not have it,\ that he would close and lock up the doors," together with such other like rubbish, that I had no time to listen to. I then thought it advisable, co as to create no ill-feeling, to confer with some of the members of the Improvement Committee, rtnd wo decided on holding the meeting at the Harp of Erin. In comparing this with Mr Millard's statement, I fail to discover whore I have departed from the truth, as he in a most unwarrantable and presumtious, manner asserts ; notwithstanding he has obtained Mr Horn's signature to the same, who probably never read what ho did vouch for, but took it for granted on Mr Millard's ipse dixit. Again, in the most bate-faced manner, Mr Millard states that there is a committee appointed for such like purposes as letting the Hall. If so, why did he not consult them previous to giving me, on behalf of tho Improvement Committee, such an insulting and ungcntlemanly answer that he would close the (Joora against us. I may state, in conclusion, that the Improvement Committee have been the m(&is of bringing the Fire Brigade into existence, and that they little expected to receive such mean treatment from the hands of any of its members, who have, probably by a "fluke," been placed in a "little brief authority.'' For mv own part, I exceedingly regret, that any ill-feelings should exist between the Improvement Committee and the members of the Fire Brigade, and I leave it to every right-mindod man throughout the town to bear mo out in this statement, as well as in all my actions, connected with the public welfare, since tho very first formation of this town, notwithstanding all and every aspersion Mr Millard may vainly try to cast on the same. I may state that I do not intend to carry on a newspaper controversy with any per' son on this subject. Apologising for occupying so much of your space, I am, &c , Tuos. Mdnro. Hokitika, June 28, 1866.